The Indian Home Affairs Minister P.Chidambaram states that an agreement was signed 1 ½ months ago which enables Indian fishermen to engage in fisheries activities within Sri Lanka’s Northern maritime boundary for several days of the week.

Participating at a media briefing which was held in Tamil Nadu yesterday, the Indian Home Affairs Minister stated that under this agreement Indian fishermen could engage in fisheries activities in the Sri Lankan maritime border and Sri Lankan fishermen could engage in fisheries activities in the Indian maritime border on predetermined days of the week.

Speaking further the Indian Home Affairs Minister pointed out that this decision has partially solved the problematic situation which existed among the fishermen of the two countries.

But Indian Home Affairs Minister P.Chidambaram stated that there are fishermen and fisheries associations which violate this new agreement.

However, the Indian Home Affairs Minister pointed out that as at present, both countries are taking measures to solve this issue.

When our News Team inquired the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Dr. Damitha De Soysa whether such an agreement has been signed, she stated that such an agreement has not been signed between the two countries.

Speaking further the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development stated that no fisherman of any other country will be allowed to enter the Sri Lankan coastal line.